The Shahada-Meanings/Pillars/Conditions and Merits

Saleh As-Saleh

Bismilah, Al-Rahman Al-Raheem. Alhamdulilahi Rab Al-‘Alameen wa salla Allahu ‘ala Muhammedan wa ‘ala aalahi wasahbihi wassalam.

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all that exists. I testify there is no true God worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammed is Allah’s true Slave and Messenger. May Allah’s salah and Salam be upon the Prophet, his pure family and his noble companions and those that follow on their path until the day of resurrection. May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala make us from them. Wal-hamdulilah Rab Al-‘Alameen

The meaning, merits and conditions of la ilaaha illah lah, Muhammedan Rasool Allah. It is known as the testimony of faith or shahada or Ashahadatain. The correct meaning of this declaration is that there is no true god worthy of worship except Allah and therefore it is not correct or not even permissible to say that there is no creator except Allah or that there is none who can originate except Allah, or there is no god existing except Allah. All of these are incorrect regarding the meaning of the testimony of faith.

In fact, the pagan Arabs didn’t deny that Allah is the sole Creator or that there is no originator except Him. In fact Allah asserts to us their creed when He said:

Luqman (31)-25: And if you (O Muhammad ) ask them: "Who has created the heavens and the earth," they will certainly say: "Allâh."

Even their poetry is filled with such assertions that they believe Allah is the true Lord and only Creator and we know that the Prophet sallah Allahu ‘alayhi wassalam commanded them to say La ilaaha illah Lah. What was there response?

Did he make all the gods into one God? This is something amazing.

So what was the thing that the pagans understood when the Prophet sallah lahu ‘alayhi wassalam commanded them to say the testimony, did they understand that it meant there is no one able to originate except Allah. No, they don’t deny that.

What they do deny is that all worship is exclusive to Allah having no partner with him in worship; this is the thing that they deny therefore the meaning of la ilaaha illah lah. There is no one worthy of worship in truth except Allah. That is why haqq is to be used in the explanation of the meaning because the only god worthy of worship is Allah. Otherwise we know there are gods taken by people who are not Allah. This is asserted

Al-Hajj (22) – 62: That is because Allah is the truth and whatever they call on besides that is falsehood.

People should reflect on this true meaning when they take the shahada.

What are the pillars of the shahada? This shahada has 2 pillars. The first is negation and the second is affirmation.

The first: In the phrase La illaha, this is the negation phrase. This negates all forms of divinity attributed to other than Allah. This is negation of the verse. La illaha negates any kind of divinity to other than Allah. That is because Allah alone is qualified with being worshipped. The second part is the affirmation illa lah. Affirming the divinity to him alone, having no partners with him. This form of negation and affirmation is asserted in many places:

Al-Fatiha (1)-5: Iyaaka na’budu wa Iyaaka nistaa’een. You alone we worship and You alone we seek for help.

This asserts that worship is directed to Allah alone.

Is it sufficient for a person to just utter La ilaaha illah Lah without believing in what it means?

This can be answered knowing its meaning; therefore no kind of worship can be diverted to anyone but Allah. So the one who utters this knowing, understanding, acting on its meaning, negating, and affirming its conditions then this is the true Muslim. And anyone who acts according to la illaha illah lah yet having not believed in it then he is a hypocrite. Anyone who opposes it, by diverting worship to other than Allah is a mushrik and a kaffir (disbeliever) even though he utters it by the tongue. So it is not sufficient just to utter it. The person must utter it, believe in it and act on its commands.

The Merits of La Illaha Illah Lah

There are many merits to this declaration and many fruits and benefits to it, yet again we ascertain that of these merits, those who just utter it without it manifesting and having it settled in its heart and acting according to it then there is no benefit for them.

1) ‘Adul Ni’mah – It is the greatest favor upon the slaves that Allah guided them to declare and believe in

An-Nahl: the Surah of favors (Surah An-Ni’mah) chapter of favors and He made it to proceed and to be mentioned above all kinds of favors.

An-Nahl 16-2: He sends down the angels with inspiration of His Command to whom of His slaves He pleases (saying): "Warn mankind that Lâ ilâha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so fear Me (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds).

This is the first of the merits of La illaha illah Lah.

2) La illaha illah Lah is the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. Allah ta’ala says:

Al-Baqqarah (2)-256: There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Tâghût and believes in Allâh, and then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower

This is La illaha illah Lah, the most trustworthy hand hold that will never break and Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.

3) It is the covenant that Allah Ta’ala mentioned in:

Maryam (19)-87: None shall have the power of intercession, but such a one as has received permission (or promise) from the Most Beneficent (Allâh).

This promise as Ibn ‘Abbas explained: the ‘ahd (promise) which is promised is the shahada: La illaha illah Lah.

4) It is al-Husna – this is understood from they aya:

Al-Layl (92) 5-7: As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allâh and fears Him,6. And believes in Al-Husna. 7. We will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness).

Al-Husna is the word of Tawheed, affirming the shahada la illah illah lah the person who believes in it, we shall make the path for him easy.

This has been explained by Ibn ‘Abbas also.

5) It is the word of truth or kalimaat al-Haqq: as in

Az-Zhukhrif (43)-86: And We made them a precedent (as a lesson for those coming after them), and an example to later generations.

That is to believe in uniqueness of Allah and complying with his orders and knowing it is the word of truth

6) Kalimat At-Taqwa – Word of piety. That which Allah Ta’ala mentioned in:

Al-Fath (48)-26: When those who disbelieve had put in their hearts pride and haughtiness the pride and haughtiness of the time of ignorance, then Allâh sent down His Sakinah (calmness and tranquility) upon His Messenger ( ) and upon the believers, and made them stick to the word of piety (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh), and they were well entitled to it and worthy of it. And Allâh is the All-Knower of everything.

7) Qawmi As-Sabit – The firm saying:

Al-Ibrahim (14)-27: Allâh will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world (i.e. they will keep on worshipping Allâh Alone and none else), and in the Hereafter. And Allâh will cause to go astray those who are Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.), and Allâh does what He wills.

(They will keep their duty to Allah alone and none else, Allah will give them firmness in this life and the hereafter as well with la illaha illah lah Saleh’s saying)

8) Kalimaat at-Tayyiba – the good word as in Allah Ta’ala’s saying:

Ibrahim (14)- 24-25: See you not how Allâh sets forth a parable? - A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very

high). 25. Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord and Allâh sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember.

This goodly word is La illaha illah Lah, this is the word of sincerity and purity and the goodly tree is the palm date tree that is referred to in this verse. This is a parable, so Allah sets forth a parable of a believer who believes in the testimony and the date palm tree. The date palm tree needs three things to grow and give fruits:

1) It needs deep and firm roots.

2) It needs standing strong firm base.

3) High branches.

Fruits of it can be eaten day or night, in the summer or winter either as dates or unripe or wet dates.

And such is Iman or Faith which requires 3 things:

1) Attestation of the heart.

2) Saying by the tongue.

3) Acting by the limbs.

The actions of the believer ascend at the beginning and end. Blessings of his faith are not discontinued, always reaching him at all times.

The second resemblance is that the date palm tree does not grow in any land, similarly the word Tawheed the shahada does not settle in every heart except in the heart in the believer. The date palm tree has deep and firm roots and branches are high, similarly the goodly word of Tawheed i.e. la illaha illah lah its base is firmly established in the heart of the believer, and if he utters it and acts according to what it entails, it will go up in the direction upward until it reaches Allah

Allah Ta’ala says:

Al-Fatir (35)-10: Whosoever desires honour, power and glory then to Allâh belong all honor, power and glory [and one can get honour, power and glory only by obeying and worshipping Allâh (Alone)]. To Him ascend (all) the goodly

words, and the righteous deeds exalt it (the goodly words i.e. the goodly words are not accepted by Allâh unless and until they are followed by good deeds), but those who plot evils, theirs will be severe torment. And the plotting of such will perish.

9) It is the means for salvation, the means of success of obtaining Al-Jannah, and being saved from Hell.

Aal-‘Imran (3)-185: Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing).

Similarly from the hadith which is agreed upon the Prophet sallah lahu alayhi wassalam said anyone who bears witness to the testimony of faith both, and that ‘Isa is the slave and Messenger of Allah and His words that Allah spoke to Maryam and that the word of Allah was “be” and his spirit from him meaning created by Allah, not being part of Allah, and that paradise is the truth and that the fire of hell is true then Allah will admit him to paradise on the state of deeds he or she is upon, meaning good or bad. Even if the believer who confirms this acts in disobedience and be punished, then he wont be in the hellfire for ever, his final abode will be paradise.

10) The next benefit then from this is that the good word and a means of preventing eternal stay in hell for those who deserve to enter it due to their sins.

The Hadith of Shafa’a – Intercession: Remove away from Hell anyone who says La illah illaha Lah and he had in his heart an ant’s weight of faith. So the people of La illah illaha Lah, even if they were to be admitted because of their shortcomings regarding its rights, it is inevitable that they will be removed from it as asserted from the Sahihayn:

Also, They will be removed from the fire of Hell whoever said La illaha illaha Lah and in his heart and the weight of a barley seed of good as well take out from the fire who says La illah illaha Lah and in his heart there is a wheat seed of good and take out from the fire the one who says La illaha illah Lah and in his heart there is an ants weight of good (from the Sahihayn and others).

11) Anyone who says this goodly word La illaha illah Lah sincerely seeking Allah’s face Allah has forbidden for him from being tormented in Hell.

In hadith: Allah forbade the fire of hell on those who say la illaha illa lah seeking in that the face of Allah

12) It is the reason why Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala created mankind and jinn. It is for this reason of manifesting and believing that La illah illaha Lah that Allah had created mankind and Jinn

Ad-Dhariyaat (51)- 56: Verily, I did not create jinn and man except that they worship me

13) To believe and manifest and work in accordance of the shahada. This is the means of happiness in the 2 worlds, this world and the hereafter.

This is clear from eh saying of Allah subhanahu wa Ta’ala:

Al-An’am 6:82: It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others besides Allâh), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided.

Security and guidance is from its merits.

14) It is the first obligation on the legally responsible.

The Prophet said: I have been commanded to fight the people until they testify the shahada. And it is the last duty on the legally responsible as well the mukhalaf. So the one who’s last words from this life is the shahada such that this will be the last of his words in this life will be admitted to paradise as the Prophet said:

Whose ever last words are la illaha illah lah will enter paradise.Abu Dawuud, al-Hakiim who said it’s authentic, and at-Thahabee agreed to al-Hakim’s authentication, Albanee agreed as well.

15) For its sake, the Messengers were sent and the books were revealed.

Allah Ta’ala says in:

Al-Anbiyaa 21-25: And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad ) but We inspired him (saying): Lâ ilâha illa Ana [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allâh)], so worship Me (Alone and none else)."

16) It is the first saying that the Messengers called for, all of them called to this testimony. All of them called their respective nations before Muhammed to submit and believe in this testimony. And this was the saying of the Prophet to all mankind in the final message:

Al-‘Araaf (7)-73: worship Allah you have another god besides Him.

This is the message of all Messengers.

It is the best of good deeds; this testimony of faith is the best of good deeds.

17) Abu Dharr radi Allahu Ta’ala ‘Anhu said: Oh Messenger of Allah, teach me a deed, an action that will bring me close to Paradise, and distance me away from the fire of Hell. The Prophet sallah Allahu ‘alayhi wassalam said: If you commit any wrong doing or any sin, and then do a righteous deed, because it is ten fold in reward. Then I said: Is La illaha illah Lah considered from the good deeds? The Prophet sallah Allahu ‘alayhi wassalam said: It is the best of good deeds (Reported by Imam Ahmed and authenticated by Albanee rahimahulah).

18) It is a good deed itself, as Allah Ta’ala says:

Al-An’am (6)-160: Who ever brings a good deed (referring to believing in the Tawheed and its conditions), his reward is ten fold.

19) And it is the best of remembrance of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala.

The Prophet sallah Allahu ‘alayhi wassalam said: The best thing that I said and the Prophets before is La illaha illah Lah, Wahduhu la Sharika Lak, that there is no true god worthy of worship except Allah, He has no partners

20) It is the heaviest on the scale. It is reported that the Prophet said: that the Messenger of Allah Nuh alayhi salam told his son when death approached him: I command you by la illaha illah lah, if the sevens heavens and the seven earths were they to be put on one scale an the word la illaha illah lah would be put on another scale la illaha illah lah will incline the scale. And if the seven heavens and the seven earths, if

they were a closed ring, then the goodly word la illaha illah lah would break it.

21) From the merits it will scatter the record of sins on the day of resurrection, this testimony. It scatters the records of sins and outweighs these records making the scales heavy, as in the hadith of bitata:

The Prophet sallah Allahu ‘alayhi wassalam said: Allah on the day of resurrection will save a man from my nation before all creation, Allah will gather for him 99 records, each one stretching as far as the sight can see, and Allah will ask him do you deny any of this: did the angels do injustice to you? He will respond no my Lord. Do you have an excuse or any plea? He will say: No my Lord, Allah will say, nay truly you have…with us you have hasana a goodly deed, indeed today there is no injustice whatsoever, then a card (bitata) will appear written in it the shahada. And He will say, bring your scale. He will say: Oh my Lord, what would this card do to this record (it can’t be compared too)? Allah will say: You will not be dealt with unjustly. All the records will be put in a scale. The records scattered and the bitata became heavy on the scale. Nothing will outweigh the name of Allah (Reported by At-Tirmidi and declared hasan or good by Ibn Majah and Ibn Haban, also authenticated by Albanee).

22) This testimony of faith is the highest of the branches of faith. We know that faith has branches, that imaan has branches. We know this from the hadith where the Prophet said: imaan is 70 and few branches, the best of which is saying la illaha illah lah; none has the right to be worshipped except Allah.

23) It is the best of deeds and remembrances and most in amplification.

And it equates the freeing of slaves and protects from Shaitan

Reported by Abu Hurairah radi Allahu Ta’ala ‘anhu: Who ever says La illaha illah Lah, Wahdahu lah sharika Lah, Lahul Mulk Wah Lahul Hamd, wa Huwa ‘ala kuli shay’an Qadeer:

(None is worthy of worship except Allah, without any partners, to him belongs the Kingdom and to Him belongs the praise, and He has power over all things).

Whoever says this 100 times in a day than that will be in reward equivalent to freeing ten slaves and 100 good deeds will be written for him, and 100 evil deeds will be wiped out from him and it will be for him a protection from Shaitan until the evening. And no one will

bring something better then this except those who do more than him. (Reported in the Sahihayn).

Also in the Sahihayn the Prophet sallah Allahu ‘alayhi wassalam said: whoever says:

…La Illaha Illah Lah Wadahu La Sharika Lah Lahul Mulk wa Lahul Hamd wa Huwa ‘ala Kulli Shay’an Qadeer…

ten times, it is as if he had freed seven slaves from the offspring of Ishmael

24) The testimony of faith opens the 8 gates of paradise for those who utter it

In Sahih Muslim the Prophet said: no one of you who makes the ablution, and completes it then afterwards says and declares the full shahada except that the 8 gates of paradise will open for him entering from which every one he wishes.

25) And it is about this goodly word that we will be asked on the day of resurrection

Al-Hijr (15)-92-93: By your Lord, we will certainly ask them about that which they used to do.

This is also evident in Allah Ta’ala’s saying:

Al-Aa’raf 7-6: Then surely, We shall question those (people) to whom it (the Book) was sent and verily, We shall question the Messengers.

Part of this questioning goes under

Al-Hijr (15)- 92-93: 92. So, by your Lord (O Muhammad ), We shall certainly call all of them to account. 93. For all that they used to do.

And Salaat is one of the things people will be held accountable for under this general account which Allah refers to here in these 2 verses and these 2 aforementioned passages from the Qur’an

26) It is the highest parable

Ar-Rum (30)-27: And He it is Who originates the creation, then will repeat it (after it has been perished), and this is easier for Him. His is the highest description (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but He, and there is nothing comparable unto Him) in the heavens and in the earth. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

Al mathal (likeness) al-a’la or the highest description, The most high or the highest description is al-Wastul kamal meaning the perfect description of Allah, and the greatest and highest description is nothing is worthy of worship except him

Al-Baqqarah (2)-255: Allahu la illaha illah huwa: Ayat Al-Qursi.

27) Regarding this word, there will be either happiness or misery, and in relation to it people will take their records either by right or left one (i.e. hands).

29) And for its sake people and close relatives will be separated. Allah says:

Al-Mujadilah (58)-22: You (O Muhammad ) will not find any people who believe in Allâh and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad ), even though they were their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Rûh (proofs, light and true guidance) from Himself. And We will admit them to Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to dwell therein (forever). Allâh is pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the Party of Allâh. Verily, it is the Party of Allâh that will be the successful.

30) It is for its sake that paradise and hell this life and the hereafter were created,

32) and it is the foundation of dean of Islam and its peace and its pillarsAnd all the rest of the obligatory matters branch from it and complete it and

33) It is the security from the horrors of the grave and that of the gathering.

34) The acceptance of deeds depends upon it. It is the greatest reason for revelation from slavery to the creatures and thus the believer in this testimony will not cling to them nor fear them or work for them. This is the true honor and might

35) It is the foundation for every worldly and religiously legal good.

Ibrahim (14)-25: Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord and Allâh sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember.

36) It is the cause for the clarity of thyself and for guarding against selfishness

Allah Ta’ala says:

Al-Hadid (59)-9: And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Medina) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Banî An-Nadîr), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful.

This is the effect and merits of la illaha illah lah this is what it has done to the believer

37) It is the greatest means to liberate oneself from superstitions and delusions and falsehood because Allah is the truth and that which they call upon beside him is falsehood, and there is so much superstition and delusion related to that to those who worship others besides Allah

38) Kalimat As-Sawaa’, It is the Just word.

Allah Ta’la says:

Aal-‘Imran (3)-64: Say (O Muhammad ): "O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allâh, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us

shall take others as lords besides Allâh. Then, if they turn away, say: "Bear witness that we are Muslims."

The word is the testimony, there is concrete evidence in this that the Jews and Christians are non Muslims otherwise why would Allah call them to this just word to worship Allah alone, as to the early Jews and Christians and believed in their Prophets Moses and Jesus and believed in Allah, they were believers but most are disbelievers.

39) it is the cause behind courage. The more a person becomes knowledgeable to this testimony and acts accordingly then he will act more courageously in respect to the truth and there is no better example of that then the Prophet and those that followed him, and the martyrs, and the Sali7een and the mujahideen fighting for Allah every time and every place.

40) It is the greatest reason behind achieving the highest of motivation because the highest of motivation is to reach the pleasure of Allah and entering paradise and the person establishing the shahada in himself is urging and motivating himself in that direction

41) It is the greatest source for might and honor

Allah Ta’ala says:

Al-Munafiqun (63)-8: They (hyprocrites) say: "If we return to Al-Madinah, indeed the more honourable ('Abdûllah bin Ubai bin Salul, the chief of hypocrites at AlMadinah) will expel therefrom the meaner (i.e. Allâh's Messenger )." But honour, power and glory belong to Allâh, His Messenger (Muhammad ), and to the believers, but the hypocrites know not.

42) It is truthfulness, Allah Ta’ala says:

Az-Zumar (39)-33: And he (Muhammad ) who has brought the truth (this Qur'ân and Islâmic Monotheism) and (those who) believed therein (i.e. the true believers of Islâmic Monotheism), those are Al- Muttaqûn (the pious and righteous persons - see V.2:2).

The truth is Tawheed and those who believe therein those are the Muttaqoon.

43) And for its sake jihad has been legalized

Allah Ta’ala says:

Qur’an 8:39: And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and polytheism: i.e. worshipping others besides Allâh) and the religion (worship) will all be for Allâh Alone [in the whole of the world ]. But if they cease (worshipping others besides Allâh), then certainly, Allâh is All-Seer of what they do.

This is la illaha illah lah

44) In it is the relief from hardship in this life and the hereafter and repelling the punishment that may be afflicted in this life and the hereafter like the case of Jonah in the belly of the fish, Allah says:

Al-Anbiya’ (21)-87: And he invoked upon us in the darkness in the fish, saying la illaha illa ent, subhanak, you are the one free of all imperfections, inni kuntum minal thalimeen.

Allah Ta’ala responded and relieved him from that hardship.

45) It is the greatest reason behind good character and for generosity and kindness and being above lowly matters and despicable affairs. All of this is entailed in the meaning la illaha illa hint. In worship, worship is to do all the things that are beloved to Allah and keeping away from all that he prohibited. And from his command is that the believer acts in good character nourished by the Qur’an and the teachings and actions of the Prophet Salla lahu alayhi wassalam

46) It is kalimaat At-Tawheed and Tawheed is the greatest reason cause to attain the pleasure and reward of Allah

Qur’an 2-153: wa ilaahakum is only one god, none has the right to be worshiped but he, the most beneficent, the Most-Merciful

47th it is the means to attain the shafa’a of Allah’s Messenger Muhammed sallah lahu alayhi wassalam

The Prophet sallah lahu ‘alayhi wassalam said: The most joyful of people in my intercession is the one who utters the half shahada sincerely from his heart (reported in Bukhari)

48) It paves the way to do righteousness. The one who’s Tawheed is perfected in his heart and knows the meaning of this testimony and acts

upon it then the path for doing good and abandoning evil will be easy for him and calamities and misfortunes will be easy on him and the act of worship will be light for those who seek Allah’s pleasure because they have love, hope and fear in Allah and they know well that these calamities are from Allah and everything that touches him is from Allah and is good for him in this life and for his religion. Also from this, the person who abides by it Allah will make imaan beloved to him and will beautify imaan in his heart and will make disbelief and wrongdoing disliked and hated.

49) Allah repels through this kalimah the evils of this life and the hereafter from the people of the testimony

Al-Hajj (22)-28: Allah says: certainly Allah defends those who believe

50) It is the tight rope of Allah.

Allah Ta’ala says:

Aal-‘Imraan (3)-103: And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allâh (i.e. this Qur'ân), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allâh's Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islâmic Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allâh makes His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may be guided.

This rope is the Qur’an and the testimony of la ilaaha illa lah.

51) The good life is for the people of Tawheed, the people of this goodly word

Allah Ta’ala says:

Qur’an 16-97: Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islâmic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).

An-Nur (24)-55: Allâh has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islâm). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).

52) From the merits of Allah to those who are upright upon it is the glad tiding when death approaches

Allah says: 41-30: Verily, those who say: "Our Lord is Allâh (Alone)," and then they Istaqâmû , on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): "Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!

53) It is the banner of the Muwahideen believing in the oneness and uniqueness of all and the bondage between the believers. Through it the believers are linked through the noblest lineage and from it Ibrahim will be their father and the wives of the Prophet will be their mothers and the rest of the believers will be their brethren.

Abraham being our father

Al Hajj (22)-78: It is the religion of your father Ibrahim (Abraham) (Islâmic Monotheism). It is He (Allâh) Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur'ân), that the Messenger (Muhammad ) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over mankind! So perform AsSalât (Iqamat-as-Salât), give Zakât and hold fast to Allâh [i.e. have confidence in Allâh, and depend upon Him in all your affairs] He is your Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.), what an Excellent Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.) and what an Excellent Helper!

Wives of Prophet being our mothers: Qur’an al-Ahzab 33-6: The Prophet is closer to the believers than their ownselves, and his wives are their (believers') mothers (as regards respect and marriage). And blood relations among each other have

closer personal ties in the Decree of Allâh (regarding inheritance) than (the brotherhood of) the believers and the Muhajirûn (emigrants from Makkah, etc.), except that you do kindness to those brothers (when the Prophet joined them in brotherhood ties). This has been written in the (Allâh's Book of Divine) Decrees (AlLauh AlMahfûz)."

Believers being brothers Surah al Hujuraat- innamal mu’minoonal ikhwah

54) It is the reason to attain the istighfar of the angels, the angels seek Allah to forgive the believers

Allah Ta’ala says:

Qur’an wa yasitaghfiruna lathina aminu (The angels seek forgiveness for the believers)

55) It is the reason for istighfar to the believers, every believer asks for forgiveness from Allah so everyone who makes istighfar for the believers they will receive a share of the blessing of that istighfar he made

Allah Ta’ala says:

Muhammed 47-19: So know (O Muhammad ) that Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh), and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women. And Allâh knows well your moving about, and your place of rest (in your homes).

56) This word is kalimat al-Ikhlass, word of sincerity and purity of intentions because the action of the heart is the basis and essence of every action and that’s why this constitutes this kalmia of Tawheed worshipping Allah through the way of the Prophet is kalmia al-Ikhlass

57) It is the kalimat Al-Ihsan, the word of goodness.

Allah Ta’ala says:

Ar-Rahman (55)-60: Is there any reward for good other than good?

Yunus 10-26: For those who have done good is the best (reward, i.e. Paradise) and even more (i.e. having the honor

of glancing at the Countenance of Allâh). Neither darkness nor dust nor any humiliating disgrace shall cover their faces. They are the dwellers of Paradise, they will abide therein forever.

This is the honor of seeing Allah on the day of resurrection.

58) It is da’watu Al-Haqq, call of the truth.

Allah Ta’ala says:

Qur’an 13-14: For Him (Alone) is the Word of Truth (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but He). And those whom they (polytheists and disbelievers) invoke, answer them no more than one who stretches forth his hand (at the edge of a deep well) for water to reach his mouth, but it reaches him not, and the invocation of the disbelievers is nothing but an error (i.e. of no use).

Ibn ‘Abbas stated this is da’watu Al-Haqq.

59) It is Kalimat Al-‘Adl, the word of justice.

Allah Ta’ala says:

An-Nahl (16)-90: Except those who repent and believe (in the Oneness of Allâh and His Messenger Muhammad ), and work righteousness. Such will enter Paradise and they will not be wronged in aught.

That which is good must comply with the Prophet. This word is the shahada.

Ibn ‘Abbas said justice is the shahada la illaha illah lah.

60) It is the good of speech and saying.

Al-Hajj (22)-24: And they are guided (in this world) unto goodly speech (i.e. Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh, Alhamdu lillâh, recitation of the Qur'ân, etc.) and they are guided to the Path of Him (i.e. Allâh's Religion of Islâmic Monotheism), Who is Worthy of all praises.

That is the shahada and there is no thing purer then these words

61) It is kalimah baqiyah, the remaining word. At-Tawheed is not abolished by every sin; rather every sin is abolished by Tawheed.

Allah Ta’ala spoke about Ibrahim:

Al-Mu’min (23)- 26-28: Mûsa (Moses) said: "Your Lord and the Lord of your ancient fathers!" 27. Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: "Verily, your Messenger who has been sent to you is a madman!" 28. Mûsa (Moses) said: "Lord of the east and the west, and all that is between them, if you did but understand!"

After he mentioned the shahada, free and innocent of what you worship. This is the part of the negation la illah illa…except the one who created me. This is the last thing and remaining word

62) Kalimatullah hal ‘ulya – It is the highest word.

Allah Ta’ala says:

Qur’an 9-40: If you help him (Muhammad ) not (it does not matter), for Allâh did indeed help him when the disbelievers drove him out, the second of two, when they (Muhammad and Abu Bakr ) were in the cave, and he ( ) said to his companion (Abu Bakr ): "Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allâh is with us." Then Allâh sent down His Sakînah (calmness, tranquillity, peace, etc.) upon him, and strengthened him with forces (angels) which you saw not, and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowermost, while it was the Word of Allâh that became the uppermost, and Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

Meaning he Allah made the word of those who disbelieve the lowermost, while the word of Allah became the uppermost. The word la illaha illah lah is the uppermost word

63) Heya An-Najaa’ – It is the deliverance, as with the saying from the believer of Fir’awn:

Ghafir (40)-41: "And O my people! How is it that I call you to salvation while you call me to the Fire!

Annajaa’ is Tawheed la illaha illah lah and his people can’t enter salvation until they declare the shahada only worshipping Allah

64) Kalimatu Al-Istiqaamah, the word of uprightness

Allah Ta’ala says:

Qur’an 41-30: Verily, those who say: "Our Lord is Allâh (Alone)," and then they Istaqâmû , on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): "Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!

65) It is the means for unity; this means that the Kalima At-Tawheed, Muslims can’t be united except on this word and true belief in Allah. Uniting the Muslims on other than this is deceptive. This is where unity is true on the correct belief in Allah. There can be no unity between Muslims except on this and this was the original state of the Muslims on pure Tawheed, they succeeded on all levels. Unity through partisanship is in fact a division.

66) It is Qawli Sadeed- the right word.

Allah Ta’ala says:

Qur’an 33-70: O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth.

The benefit if the believers say the truth meaning say the shahada, then Allah will direct you to do righteous good deeds. The other benefit is that he will forgive you your sins. The believer who utters this word of Tawheed and abides by it then this is the benefit

67) It is Al-Birr-righteousness:

Allah Ta’ala says:

Qur’an Al-Baqqarah 2-177: It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allâh, etc.) that you turn your faces towards east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allâh, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to the kinsfolk, to the orphans, and to Al-Masâkin (the poor), and to the

wayfarer, and to those who ask, and to set slaves free, performs As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and gives the Zakât, and who fulfill their covenant when they make it, and who are As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.) in extreme poverty and ailment (disease) and at the time of fighting (during the battles). Such are the people of the truth and they are Al-Muttaqûn (pious - see V.2:2).

All of this is the manifestation of the shahada.

68) It is the entire dean or religion

Allah says: verily to Allah belongs the pure dean

The pure dean is the one which Allah alone is being worshipped. This is the submission to Allah and there can be no submission except through Tawheed.

69) It is As-Sirat Al-Mustaqeem, the straight path.

Allah Ta’ala says:

Qur’an 1-6 Ihdina siraatu al-Mustaqeem (Guide us upon the straight path)

Allah Ta’ala says:

Al-An’am (6)-153: "And verily, this (i.e. Allâh's Commandments mentioned in the above two Verses 151 and 152) is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2)."

As-Shura: Allah Ta’ala says and verily you guide to the straight path (i.e. the Shahada).

70) It is the means to attain victory over the enemies of Allah

Allah Ta’ala says:

Qur’an 8-45: And put forward to them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water (rain) which We send down

from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allâh is Able to do everything.

And we know that the best and greatest remembrance of Allah is kalimat At-Tawheed, the Shahada.

71) It is the means to attain steadfastness on earth.

Allah Ta’ala says:

Qur’an 24-55: Allâh has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islâm). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).

This is a means to attain authority, and to practice the dean on earth and for security.

72) It is a means for attaining high rank and honor

Allah honored with this word of Tawheed Belal from Abyssinia, Salman from Persia. And because of denying this word, Allah humiliated the honorable of Quraish who were the noblest of the Arabs.

73) It is a safeguard against the blood shedding of Muslims as well as protection for their wealth.

Allah says:

(The Prophet said): I have been commanded until they witness the shahada and they establish prayer and give the zakaat and if they do that they will safeguard their wealth and blood except what they would owe to Islam.

74) It is the word of shahada – witnessing.

Allah Ta’ala says:

Qur’an 3-18: Allâh bears witness that Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice. Lâ ilâhha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

Allah bear witnessed to Himself; also the angels and those who have knowledge give witness to this testimony.

75) It is the greatest good, Al-Ma’ruuf Al-Akbar.

Allah Ta’ala says:

Qur’an 3-104: Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islâm), enjoining Al-Ma'rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islâm has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful.

Tawheed is the greatest good and the greatest evil is the shirk.

76) It is the first thing to call people too

In the hadith of Mu’adh bin Jabal when the Prophet sent him to Yemen and told him let the first thing that you invite them to be the shahada,

77) The merits from it is religion of Abraham

Allah Ta’ala says:

Qur’an 22-78: And strive hard in Allâh's Cause as you ought to strive (with sincerity and with all your efforts that His Name should be superior). He has chosen you (to convey His Message of Islâmic Monotheism to mankind by inviting them to His religion, Islâm), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship, it is the religion of your father Ibrahim (Abraham) (Islâmic Monotheism). It is He (Allâh) Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur'ân), that the Messenger (Muhammad ) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over mankind! So perform AsSalât (Iqamat-as-Salât), give Zakât and hold fast to Allâh [i.e. have

confidence in Allâh, and depend upon Him in all your affairs] He is your Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.), what an Excellent Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.) and what an Excellent Helper!

This kalimah is the religion of Ibrahim.

78) it is the zakaat (purification). This means Allah says about the mushriks

Qur’an 41:6-7: Say (O Muhammad ): "I am only a human being like you. It is inspired in me that your Ilâh (God) is One Ilâh (God - Allâh), therefore take Straight Path to Him (with true Faith Islâmic Monotheism) and obedience to Him, and seek forgiveness of Him. And woe to Al-Mushrikûn (the disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh, polytheists, idolaters, etc. - see V.2:105). 7. Those that give not the Zakât and they are disbelievers in the Hereafter.

And you wonder why they don’t give the zakaat’ as they are the mushriks, so its obvious they don’t.

Ibnul Qayyim al-Jawziyyah explained this saying that the most of the people of Tafsir from the salaf and those after and that the zakaat in this ayaa refers to the shahada. He also added that this refers to the shahada and that through true faith, the heart will be purified and negate any divinity to other than Allah and will settle with the truth. And this is its purification and its affirmation of Tawheed.

79) It is the cause due to which some faces will be brightened (those who believed) and others darkened (those who disbelieved) on the day of resurrection

Allah says:Qur’an 3-106: On the Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) when some faces will become white and some faces will become black; as for those whose faces will become black (to them will be said): "Did you reject Faith after accepting it? Then taste the torment (in Hell) for rejecting Faith."

These are only some of the merits of la illaha illah lah.

May Allah make this a benefit for all of us ameen.